North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

A 2" galvanized pipe protruding from the ground at an older home is most likely identified as a fill pipe for an oil tank. This is because homes built several decades ago frequently used oil heating systems, and a fill pipe would be used to refill the oil tank, which is often buried underground. The galvanized material is durable and resistant to rust, suitable for outdoor applications, making it a common choice for such installations.

In older properties, it’s important to recognize that plumbing configurations may differ significantly from modern standards. While a drain pipe and a waste pipe can also be of galvanized material, they typically do not protrude above ground and serve different functions related to drainage and sewage waste. On the other hand, a water supply line in residential settings is usually larger and doesn't necessarily protrude in such a manner unless there are specific access points or maintenance sections. Hence, based on the characteristics of older homes and typical uses of such piping, identifying the pipe as a fill pipe for an oil tank is logical.